I used to only use cases for my phones; but now I use cases and screen protectors. I know what you mean - phones feel great in the hand when they're free of cases and screen protectors - but alas, since I drop my phones and bang into walls with them (I dance around in my room when I listen to music... What can I say?
), I kinda need the extra support.
My mom, on the other hand, had her Samsung Galaxy S4 for over two years; and even with a few hefty drops and bumps into things, there were barely any scratches or damages whatsoever (except for the white "paint" peeling; but that's just natural wear and tear). Are you going to keep your case/screen protector on or take them off?